A
short story
This
world, which we live in is prone to consistent changes. Nothing in this world
is stagnant whether it relates to changes in technology, changes in customs and
traditions, or norms and values. With the passage of time, things that were once
unacceptable become acceptable so people adjust and readjust depending on the
needs of the time. The twenty-first century has brought in many developments and
advancements in technology. Where on one hand, it has made life easier for a
common man it has also made life miserable!
This article is copy protected!
|
The
constantly changing lifestyles and trends have propelled us into a race to earn
more so that we can keep up with our competitors. It is a common practice for
both the husband and wife to work in order to make more money. Where once the
woman’s main role was to be a homemaker and the man was considered the sole
breadwinner it is becoming increasingly common these days for women to step out
and take up demanding jobs in the professional world. However, they are still
expected to keep performing the duties of a mother and a wife as soon as they step
into the threshold of their homes. This dual responsibility causes stress
leading to a feeling of resentment towards their spouses when the strain of performing
all roles becomes too much. This ultimately results in a relationship devoid of
mutual respect, understanding, and communication. The members most affected by
this dilemma are the innocent children who look up to their parents as role
models in everything they do.
Dr
Kiran found herself in such a situation after her marriage to Rehan. Rehan holds
an executive position in a high-profile business firm. He has worked
strenuously and consistently to achieve this position thinking it would resolve
all financial and other issues. His wife who is a successful gynecologist and
is a rising name in her field also worked equally hard through her educational
and professional career to achieve this position. They have three children aged
16, 12, and 5. In the early years of their marriage, they had the support of their
parents who took care of the children so both the adults could pursue their
careers unhindered. The grandparents took turns to look after the children as
babies and also during their kindergarten years fulfilling the children’s needs
of love and security. The couple was young and energetic and had so much
support so life at work and home went on smoothly without causing any major
problems.
However
since the death of grandparents, one after the other the couple began to face
problems with the raising of children. The children themselves demanded quality
time from their parents and regarding their emotional as well as educational
needs. The parents who were both at the top of their fields of work; however, in
the pursuance of their careers found it difficult to cater to their children’s needs.
Stress from work did not leave them with enough energy and peace f mind to
listen to their children and resolve their issues.
Huzaifa
the eldest of the siblings was sixteen years old and was great support for
his sister Sara and younger brother Ali after the death of their grandparents.
The three children often shared any troubles they had and tried to resolve them
as they saw that the parents were hardly ever home and when they were there
they were too stressed to allow for any intimate conversations or sharing of
problems. The communication gap between the parents and children widened. The
parents worked day and night to give the best of life to their children but missed
what was most valued by their children; their time.
Huzaifa
recently fell into trouble with a gang of bullies. He usually kept away from
such trouble makers and it was not his intention to get into trouble with them.
It so happened that one of his friends had an exchange of words with the gang
who instantly pounced upon him to beat him up. Huzaifa immediately reported
this to a faculty member who stopped the quarrel and the gang of boys was
punished.
The gang found out that it was Huzaifa who had reported the incident to the school
authorities. They began to abuse and mistreat him in various ways mostly after
school and outside the school premises. He was badly beaten up on a few
occasions and made up the excuse of falling off from his bike when inquired by
the family. The gang warned that if he reported this to anyone they would harm
his sister in some way. He became afraid of sharing this with Sara as she might
do something that would endanger her too, in fact, he tried his best to keep
away from her so she would not notice anything.
This
kept on for some time and at times Hizaifa thought of sharing this with his
parents but the communication gap that had developed and deepened could not be
bridged so easily. Huzaifa developed severe anxiety and eventually depression
as he could not find any solution to his problem. As the incidents were not
happening at school therefore he found it difficult to report them to his
teachers moreover the fear that something would happen to his sister kept his
lips sealed.
He lost interest in his studies and his grades fell but no one seemed bothered or if they were they did not ask what was troubling him and merely advised him to pay more attention to his studies.
